Veteran Member

The topic is interesting When walking, I tend to drift in and out of my own thoughts, I pray and meditate, and sometimes engage in short bursts of chitchat. I do crave being with my own senses and introspection when I walk, though.

A journey of 500 miles begins with one step!

Great question and something tells me your bored and fishing for inspiration to pass the time apart from listening to nature and the sound of my own voice and others I loved the sound of the earth, grass and crunch of loose chippings under foot in symphony with my breathing and ding from my staff hitting the trail like a mesmeric metronome

Veteran Member

First Camino (just after divorce) long, detailed conversations with my daughters (who were at school back in the UK)
Subsequently, when walking solo, I write fiction stories in my head - they never make it to paper!

The moderators removed a link in the OP which, apart from the written content in that link, also contained an image which can be viewed as an inherently political statement, and is controversial. The written content was not an issue, and I can see why Jeeves thought it useful for his/her post.

Veteran Member

Whatever takes my fancy. If I'm alone and not inspired by the surroundings I'll listen to podcasts/music/audiobooks.

One of the surpirse successes of my last Camino was an old car game we used to play called The Elephant Packed His Trunk (though I'm sure it goes under a dozen different names". The basic premise being that the first person will say "the elephant packed his trunk and in it he put an apple (or anything else beginning with A)" the next person will then say "the elephant packed his trunk and in it he put an apple and a banjo" and so on and so on until you get to Z. The twist that made this game particularly fun on the camino was that I was walking with people of various nationalities Danes, Dutch, Italians etc. and so it was a great way of learning a few words in those other languages. At least I thought it was, can't remember any of them now damn my stunted British language skills.

Wandering in big circles

As I understood it, it's what to do when the walking gets boring.
The counter-question is what's wrong with boredom? Why do we so need to be entertained all the time? Learning how to tolerate boredom is undervalued, and there are plenty of times on the Camino when you can polish that skill. When it finally comes, the quietness of simple contentment is a huge gift after being addicted to constant stimulation.

Elle Bieling, PilgrimageTraveler

I try to pay attention to things that I might not have paid attention to. Like how the light looks on a building, blade of grass, the path. I look for unusual things like bugs, flowers, plants that I don't know. Often this requires a stop and a closer look.

I also sing stupid songs, like folk songs from the countries of the folks I am walking with. I only listen to music when I am really tired and cranky, to lift my mood. Mostly, I like the emptiness in my head. Although my internal chatter never seems to cease! I try to empty the head, but it is most stubborn!!

Veteran Member

As I understood it, it's what to do when the walking gets boring.
The counter-question is what's wrong with boredom? Why do we so need to be entertained all the time? Learning how to tolerate boredom is undervalued, and there are plenty of times on the Camino when you can polish that skill. When it finally comes, the quietness of simple contentment is a huge gift after being addicted to constant stimulation.

New Member

Thanks for all of your replies. We've just reached half way of the Frances route and we enjoyed some new approaches from your suggestions today

Personally I like to vary my time depending on how I feel and the situation. Sometimes I ask a "Camino question of the day" to keep conversation or thoughts fresh. Below is a different link with some questions if anyone is interested.

A ridiculously long list of good questions to ask. Lots of fun, creative, thought provoking questions to choose from. Time for some great conversations.

conversationstartersworld.com

PS I originally posted another page with similar questions on it. However as the page was so big I didn't notice it had a potentially politcally sensitive and ambiguous photo on it. I understand and am happy about that page being deleted and this link is better anyway. I hope this one is okay

Moderator

As I understood it, it's what to do when the walking gets boring.
The counter-question is what's wrong with boredom? Why do we so need to be entertained all the time? Learning how to tolerate boredom is undervalued, and there are plenty of times on the Camino when you can polish that skill. When it finally comes, the quietness of simple contentment is a huge gift after being addicted to constant stimulation.

As you know, VN, I am not exactly a zen person. But on the camino, I am able to spend 8 hours walking without speaking, and without really thinking about much of anything in a structured way. But time flies, gratitude flows through me, I soak in the gorgeous scenery, and at the end of the day, my head feels like it’s screwed on correctly. But I don’t think that’s boredom. Boredom for me is something like sitting in the dentist’s chair having left my glasses and phone at home so there is nothing for me to read or listen to, waiting for the the novacaine to take effect. Maybe that’s when I need to find the simple contentment, but I cannot imagine ever feeling contentment in one of my least favorite places in the world.

Veteran Member

I never feel the need for something to pass the time doing while walking the Camino because I associate the concept of passing the time with boredom. Of just going through the motions or I don't want to be there. Like when I was a child and on a long road trip with my parents. The poor souls had to come up with things for my brother and I to do (besides bickering and fighting lol) while sitting in the back seat. So they would come up with ways for us to pass the time more positively.
My time is passed while walking the Camino by walking across Spain and everything associated with that.

I walked the Camino Frances, from SJPP to Santiago, for the first time this year. I was never bored, but sometimes the noise of traffic drowned out the sounds of nature. At those times, I would put my earphones in and listen to music on my phone. Sometimes I would even enjoy my own 'Camino Karaoke'! and on a few occasions, accompanied it with a spot of (walking) pole dancing. Apologies to any peregrinos who may have witnessed my 'singing', but you know the saying - 'dance like no one is watching', etc.

New Member

I walked the Camino Frances, from SJPP to Santiago, for the first time this year. I was never bored, but sometimes the noise of traffic drowned out the sounds of nature. At those times, I would put my earphones in and listen to music on my phone. Sometimes I would even enjoy my own 'Camino Karaoke'! and on a few occasions, accompanied it with a spot of (walking) pole dancing. Apologies to any peregrinos who may have witnessed my 'singing', but you know the saying - 'dance like no one is watching', etc.

New Member

As I understood it, it's what to do when the walking gets boring.
The counter-question is what's wrong with boredom? Why do we so need to be entertained all the time? Learning how to tolerate boredom is undervalued, and there are plenty of times on the Camino when you can polish that skill. When it finally comes, the quietness of simple contentment is a huge gift after being addicted to constant stimulation.

I agree. I really enjoy the quiet times on the camino. However I also enjoy some variety and balance this time with other activities. This magnifies and makes me appreciate the quiet and stillness even more.

Veteran Member

I heard a radio show once that brought up a question that could start a really good conversation. Which of these two super-powers would you rather have and why: flight or invisibility? Make up your own rules to take care of the details.

Veteran Member

As I understood it, it's what to do when the walking gets boring.
The counter-question is what's wrong with boredom? Why do we so need to be entertained all the time? Learning how to tolerate boredom is undervalued, and there are plenty of times on the Camino when you can polish that skill. When it finally comes, the quietness of simple contentment is a huge gift after being addicted to constant stimulation.

Veteran Member

I have been thinking about the predicament of needing to pass the time whilst walking the Camino and in a light-bulb moment the answer came to me!

Take a small dvd player and a copy of The Way, with Martin Sheen, then, when you get bored walking the Camino you can pass the time and be entertained by watching actors walking the Camino as you walk the Camino - there, sorted .

Veteran Member

Pass time whilst walking? Walking is passing time. I just think, watch, listen, feel and smell. And enjoy

After arrivel though... I have to admit I get bored quite often in the long afternoons. Especially when the weather demands arriving before 2pm. After a shower, clothes wash and lunch I don't quite know what to do next. Most of the time there is not much to see or do in those tiny, sleepy Camino villages. No, no siesta, that would keep me awake during the night. I used to write blog posts, but my tablet died. So most of the time I just sit down on a terrace with a beer and a book (if I carry one). Waiting for the moment to be allowed to go to bed.

Veteran Member

Pass time whilst walking? Walking is passing time. I just think, watch, listen, feel and smell. And enjoy

After arrivel though... I have to admit I get bored quite often in the long afternoons. Especially when the weather demands arriving before 2pm. After a shower, clothes wash and lunch I don't quite know what to do next. Most of the time there is not much to see or do in those tiny, sleepy Camino villages. No, no siesta, that would keep me awake during the night. I used to write blog posts, but my tablet died. So most of the time I just sit down on a terrace with a beer and a book (if I carry one). Waiting for the moment to be allowed to go to bed.

It is an odd interlude isn't it - from checking in, laundry done, to waiting for the evening meal - I wonder ... a Frisbee might be a great thing to carry - light, packable, can be used as a plate! - and fun to play with - who wouldn't get involved in a Frisbee game? .

Veteran Member

I have been thinking about the predicament of needing to pass the time whilst walking the Camino and in a light-bulb moment the answer came to me!

Take a small dvd player and a copy of The Way, with Martin Sheen, then, when you get bored walking the Camino you can pass the time and be entertained by watching actors walking the Camino as you walk the Camino - there, sorted .

Better still, watch the film multiple times; learn all the parts and act out the drama as you proceed.
Amuse fellow pilgrims along the road as you dive into the river; let your rucksack be stolen and strike up a glancing acquaintance with a Roma family; get drunk and arrested and then entertain your friends with a night at the nearest Parador (BTW you don't get luxury bathrobes in the Leon Parador - trust me on that one!) . . .

Veteran Member

There are two positions for filling the afternoon interlude; one is by oneself, the other is with others
So -
Download Spanish lessons onto phone and learn Spanish?
Take penny whistle and learn to play?
Take a game of Jacks (also called knucklebones) - play it with others?
Learn basic massage and offer it free to others?
Learn basic first aid and offer it free to others?
Take a set of bagpipes and ... errmm ... maybe not

I don’t actually understand. Pass the time while walking? While walking, I am walking. Sometimes struggling, sometimes singing, sometimes thinking of people i know and for whom I pray, but generally: walking, looking, listening, times flies amidst all that. Tomorrow, I might have something else to add as I will walk a short day. I will let you know!

Active Member

In the mornings were my quiet/walking meditation time. No headphones, music etc. after lunch was when I needed motivation or a bit of distraction so I would listen to podcasts or some music. Not everyday but my afternoons was when energy flagged and everything started hurting. Towards the end of the Camino, I worked in an afternoon caña and was like wow, I should have done this from the get-go. Made walking so much easier.

When I am walking through any kind of natural landscape I have a good feeling. In the parts where man made industrial detritus dominates my senses I have some trouble. I have found myself engaging with overlooked and under appreciated parts of the Camino like the gravel under foot. How literally out of place it is having been mined somewhere else and crushed to a useful but generic shape. So I appreciate an individual piece and imagine the original rock it came from and how it formed and the unique place it had on the planet in geologic history.